Definition

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects behavior. It can cause hyperactive, impulsive behavior, and/or make it difficult to pay attention. These behavioral problems continue over a long period of time. ADHD affects children, adolescents, and adults.

There are 3 types of ADHD:

Inattentive (classic "ADD")

Hyperactive-impulsive

Combined—the most common type

Causes

The cause of ADHD is unknown. It most likely is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There also appears to be a genetic factor since ADHD can run in families.

Diagnosis

There is no standard test to diagnose ADHD. It is done by a trained health professional using information from the patient, family, caregivers, and teachers or other school professionals and patient observation.

During diagnosis, the following information may be gathered:

Assessment of symptoms of ADHD in different settings—home, recreation/sports, and school

Age at which symptoms started

How much the behavior affects the child's ability to function

Treatment

The goal is to improve the child's ability to function. Doctors should work together with parents and school staff. Together, they can set realistic goals and evaluate the child's response.

Treatments include:

Sleep

Children who do not sleep enough may suffer from worse behavioral problems. A key part of treatment is to ensure that children with ADHD get plenty of sleep.

Medication

Medications can help control behavior and increase attention span. Stimulants are the most common choice for ADHD. They increase activity in parts of the brain that appear to be less active in children with ADHD.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about ADHD medications. There are possible risks with these medications, including heart problems and psychiatric problems.

Behavior Therapy

Children who take medication and go to therapy do better than those who just use medication. Young children may respond to therapy alone. Therapy sessions focus on practicing social and problem-solving skills. Counselors will also teach parents and teachers to help the child through positive reinforcement. This could involve changes in the classroom, as well as in parenting style. Often, daily report cards are exchanged between parents and teachers.

Other tools, like the Disc'O'Sit cushion, may be helpful in improving children's attention in class. The Disc'O'Sit is a dome-shaped cushion filled with air that the child balances on.

ADHD coaching can also be helpful. These coaches work with individuals to help them organize and create strategies so that they can be more efficient and successful.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, also called EEG feedback, is the retraining of brainwave patterns. It has shown some promise in the treatment of ADHD in children. In a neurofeedback training session, several sensors that measure the brain's electrical activity are attached to the scalp. You relax and play a video game, which is controlled just by brain waves and responds favorably to brain waves of the desired pattern.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent ADHD because the cause is unknown. Proper treatment can prevent problems later in life.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Methylphenidate and clonidine help children with ADHD and tics. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news%5Fand%5Fevents/news%5Farticles/news%5Farticle%5Fadhd.htm. Accessed August 14, 2012.